UN Security Council strongly condemns killing of French journalist in CAR

UNITED NATIONS, May 13 (Xinhua) -- The UN Security Council on Tuesday strongly condemned the killing of a French journalist in Central African Republic (CAR) and called for those responsible to be held accountable.

In a press statement issued here, the 15-member Council reiterated that, "in accordance with international humanitarian law, journalists, media professionals and associated personnel engaged in dangerous professional missions in areas of armed conflict are generally considered as civilians and shall be respected and protected as such."

Camille Lepage, a 26-year-old French photographer was murdered in western Central African Republic not far from the border with Cameroon. According to a statement by the French presidency Tuesday, Lepage's body was found by French peacekeepers inside a vehicle driven by Christian anti-Balaka fighters. On May 6, Lepage posted on social media she was travelling with anti-Balaka fighters to western CAR.

The Council members expressed their condolences to Lepage's family and French government, and stressed "those responsible for the killing shall be held accountable."

Urging the transitional government of CAR to swiftly investigate the incident and bring the perpetrators to justice, the Council renewed their demand that "all parties to an armed conflict comply fully with the obligations applicable to them under international humanitarian law, including as related to the protection of civilians in armed conflict."

Meanwhile, the most powerful body of the UN deplored the ongoing violence and killings in CAR, reiterated its full support for the International Support Mission to the Central African Republic (MISCA) led by the African Union and supported by French and EU forces, and called on all parties to cooperate fully with the mission.

Fighting in CAR has taken on an increasingly sectarian nature following a 2012 rebel-led coup and become more brutal, with reports of ongoing human rights violations and clashes that have left 2.2 million in need of humanitarian aid.

PARIS, May 13 (Xinhua) -- A French journalist was assassinated in the Central African Republic (CAR), French President Francois Hollande said in a statement on Tuesday.

"The corpse of (Camille) Lepage was found after a patrol by (French) Sangaris troops stopped a car driven by anti-balaka groups, in the Bouar region," the statement released by the presidential office said. Full story

WASHINGTON, May 13 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Barack Obama on Tuesday imposed sanctions on five individuals for their roles in the escalating conflict in the Central African Republic (CAR).

Obama signed an executive order targeting five former CAR officials or leaders, including Francois Bozize, former president of the CAR, and Michel Djotodia, the country's former transitional president, the White House said. Full story